Aveda Institute Magazine - Issue 5

ISSUE 05 avedafi.edu

DO WHAT YOU LOVE There’s no better time than now!

ALSO INSIDE

Brilliant Future Scholarship NAHA Student Finalist Financial Aid Explained The Aveda Color Story The Future of Skincare Philanthropy Update

WE KNOW WHAT YOU’RE THINKING...

A career in beauty? That’s not a real career, is it?

The salon and spa industry is a vibrant

and growing part

of the US economy. According to a

study from Future

Marketing Insights, the salon and spa

industry is valued at

$233.8 billion as of 2023 and is projected to exceed $410 billion by 2034. Like most industries, the beauty industry suffered during the COVID-19 Pandemic. But the number of personal appearance jobs is projected to grow by 8% between 2023 and 2033, compared to only 4% for all US jobs.

Not only is the beauty industry a growing industry, it’s also an industry of small business owners. In fact, 1 in 3 individuals in personal appearance occupations are self-employed. In comparison, only 6% of the overall US workforce is self-employed.*

*According to the 2025 Professional Beauty Association’s Economic Snapshot of the Salon Industry

THIS AIN’T YOUR GRANDMA’S BEAUTY SCHOOL B

eauty education has come a long way. Gone are the days of windowless rooms filled with a haze of questionable chemicals. Instead, our facilities utilize state-of-the-art technology in a spacious and bright atmosphere.

Aveda products are 100% vegan and responsibly manufactured.

In the words of Aveda founder Horst Rechelbacher, “If fashion pollutes, it should no longer be called fashion. It should be called pollution.”

Our facility is strategically located to maximize the number of guests our students serve. This means that as a student, you will have plenty of experience working on people, not just mannequins, when you graduate.

We strive not only to teach our students the skills to perform services but also the skills to succeed in business. Our curriculum includes marketing, business, and financial education, which will serve our students for years to come!

BEAUTY CAREER OPPORTUNITIES B

eauty school opens the door to a world of exciting, creative, and rewarding career paths. Whether you dream of transforming clients, owning your own salon or spa, inspiring future professionals as an educator, or working with top brands in the corporate world, the opportunities are endless.

Hairstylist

Bring creativity to life by crafting cuts, color, and styles that make clients feel confident and beautiful every day.

Salon / Spa Owner

Be the boss! Build your own beauty empire and shape the ultimate guest experience where beauty, wellness, and community thrive.

Esthetician

Help clients achieve healthy, glowing skin with customized treatments, from facials to advanced skincare services.

Career Oppurtunities // 3

Educator

Inspire the next generation of beauty professionals by sharing your skills, knowledge, and love for the industry.

Business Development

Use your beauty expertise in roles with top brands, from product development and training to sales, marketing and more.

Nail Technician

Combine artistry and precision to design stunning nails, offering clients both relaxation and selfexpression.

Makeup Artist

Transform faces for every occasion, from everyday glam to red carpet looks, photoshoots, and weddings.

WHAT IS UNPARALLELED EDUCATION? 2020 NAHA Finalist Student Stylist: Matthew Leadabrand Photo: Keith Bryce

Unparalleled Education // 5

Education is about more than just the classroom. The Aveda Institute provides opportunities for our students to participate in several unique and exciting events. We’ve been recognized by magazines and industry organizations for the quality of our education in no small part due to these events.

The North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) is the most prestigious photographic beauty competition in North America, celebrating the artistry and skill of the professional salon industry.

Twenty-one of our students have been nominated for Student Hairstylist of the Year, with seven winning the honor. In fact, one of our students has taken the win for two years in a row in 2020 and 2021!

Beacon is an annual event held in conjunction with the Professional Beauty Association’s Beauty Week to provide the nation’s top future professionals with the guidance to achieve maximum career success.

Beacon students attend the most celebrated industry events during PBA Beauty Week, including the PBA Symposium, the North American Hairstyling Awards, and Cosmoprof North America, and benefit from specially designed educational opportunities. To date, we have had 222 students selected as Beacon honorees!

Our Institutes have been recognized by Modern Salon Magazine’s Excellence in Education Awards for a number of categories, including: • • •

Facilities • School Culture • Community Involvement •

Technology Alumni Programs Placement

ESTHETICS Our esthetics education is delivered through a meticulously structured, four-phase curriculum. As with our cosmetology curriculum, each phase is carefully crafted to build upon the last, ensuring you develop a comprehensive, deep understanding of esthetics coupled with practical, real-world application.

ESTHETICS CURRICULUM BREAK DOWN 5 Weeks

ENLIGHTEN • • • • • • • • •

Science Core Behaviors Discover Aveda Dream Studio Beautista Aveda Foundations Facial Treatments Hair Removal Back Treatment

5 Weeks

EMERGE • • • • • • •

Ultraceuticals Aveda Facial Protocols Body Treatments Aroma Body Polish Money by Qnuty Nurtur Business Socoal Media 101

* Empower phase is 10 weeks in Columbus and Cincinnati

5 Weeks

EXPRESS • • • • • • • • •

Makeup MUD Fundamentals Lash Extensions Facial Treatments with Devices Botanical Resurfacing Relaxation Massage (not offered in NC) Money by Qnity Nurtur Business Social Media 102

5 Weeks*

EMPOWER • • • • • • • •

Facial Peel Fundamentals LED Light Therapy Micro Needling (NC only) Salon/Spa Business State Board Review Nurtur Business Moneu by Qnity Final Business Project

Esthetics Program // 7

+ All of our esthetics students will learn not only the Aveda skincare curriculum but also the Ultraceuticals cosmeceutical skincare curriculum and the Sylton Observ Skin Imaging System.

WHAT IS A COSMECEUTICAL? Cosmeceuticals are skincare products using active ingredients that are proven to produce stronger, more powerful results than other cosmetic skincare products.

WHY ULTRACEUTICALS? The Ultraceutcials curriculum gives our students a deeper understanding of active ingredients and allows for hands-on practice with advanced treatments and technologies .

The blend of theory and advanced treatments results in an elevated beauty professional who is confident and ready to work in the industry upon graduation.

Ultraceuticals is well recognized in the industry as a leader in developing award-winning breakthrough cosmeceutical skincare products without animal testing. In addition, Ultraceuticals products do not contain harsh chemicals, propylene glycol, parabens, synthetic dyes, or synthetic fragrances.

COSMETOLOGY Cosmetology encompasses a variety of disciplines including hair styling, hair cutting, skin care, nails, and makeup. Our program is divided into six distinct phases. Each phase builds upon the last, integrating core skills with Aveda’s unique approach to wellness, client-centered service, and emotional intelligence.

The education starts in the classroom, where aspiring make-up artists are taught the fundamentals of make-up application and the theory necessary to adapt make-up techniques to differing conditions. A MUDcertified make-up artist can work anywhere from the retail floor to a film set to a bride’s special day.

All cosmetology students will receive Level I MUD Certification for no additional cost. Our partnership with MUD also allows for continuing education post-graduation for Level II and Level III MUD Certifications at the MUD Campus in Los Angeles

COSMETOLOGY CURRICULUM BREAK DOWN 5 Weeks

5 Weeks

ENLIGHTEN

EMERGE

• • • • • • • • •

• • •

Science Core Behaviors Discover Aveda Dream Studio Beautista Blowouts Hairstyling & Wigs Nails Skin

5 Weeks

ELEVATE • • • • • •

Haircutting Styling Makeuo Money by Qnity Nurtur Business Social Media 101

10 Weeks

EXPRESS • • • • • • • • • • •

Hair Removal Event Styling Advanced Haircutting Artistry and High Style Salon Business Money by Qnity Hands-on Haircutting, styling and nails MUD Level 1 Certification 3D Lashes Brow Lamination Brow and Lash Tinting

Aveda Hair Color Chemical Texture Nurtur Business

10 weeks

ENGAGE • • • • •

Advanced Color Advanced Nails Money by Qnity Nurtur Business Hands-on Color and Chemical Texture

15 Weeks

EMPOWER • • •

Money by Qnity State Board Review Hands-on - Bringing it all together

10 // Customizable Color

CUSTOMIZABLE COLOR A

veda’s customizable color system allows you to develop a deeper understanding of color theory and the chemistry behind formulating, giving you skills that provide foundational expertise for any color system.

Our color is 100% Vegan and, as always, Cruelty Free and 95% Natural.

It’s a true semi-permanent hair color range, lasting up to 16 shampoos, perfect for fashion colors. There are SO MANY WAYS TO WEAR VIBRANT COLOR and many different techniques and placements to choose from.

As an Aveda Institute student, your knowledge of color theory paired with the Aveda Vibrants line of fully customizable color will prepare you for any color request! ®

NAILS Our Nails Program incorporates theory and hands-on learning to provide you a complete understanding of beauty and wellness. Upon completion, you will be ready to take the Ohio state licensing exam.

The Nails Program is only offered at select locations, ask your admissions representative for more details.

MASSAGE We train students in the art of touch and the application of pressure in such manners that enhance the client’s relaxation, reduce overall body fatigue, and assist in client rehabilitation The Massage Therapy program is only offered at select locations, ask your admissions representative for more details.

Additional Education // 13

ABOVE & BEYOND A t the Aveda Institute, we don’t just teach our students how to pass the state board examination; we teach them how to succeed.

Our curriculum includes modules for advanced education, Make Up Designory (MUD) certification, lash extensions from VoMor, results-focused skincare from Ultraceuticals, state-of-theart skin imaging from Sylton, dermaplaning, nano/micro needling (offering varies by

location) and Aveda’s exclusive curriculum called Learn Aveda.

We also include training in business development, financial wellness from Money by Qnity, and professional development with Beautista. This additional education will help our students stand out among all beauty school graduates. Not only will they be prepared as skilled service providers, but to be successful leaders in the beauty industry.

INCLUDED IN YOUR EDUCATION AT NO ADDITIONAL COST:

WHICH PROGRAM IS RIGHT FOR YOU? A

t the Aveda Institute, we offer both cosmetology and esthetics options for our students. If you’ve never heard those words before, that’s okay. We’ll break it down for you and help you figure out which program is the best fit to help you achieve your dreams!

2024 NAHA Finalist Student Stylist: Julia Gates Photo: Nohemi Capetillo

Program Comparison // 15

PROGRAM COMPARISON

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

Alumni Spotlight // 17

MARIE PANNELLBIGGS Cosmetology Educator

Marie left behind a career in accounting to chase her dream of becoming a stylist. Since then, she has become an accomplished stylist, worked at New York Fashion Week, and inspired many future professionals as a cosmetology educator.

LEVI GRAGG

EBONY IVEY

After high school, Levi followed the path others thought he should follow. It wasn’t until later that he decided to pursue his passion for beauty. He found his true calling by helping his guests express themselves and embodies our mission of “do what you love, love what you do.”

Ebony was inspired by people of color who forged a path of diversity in beauty.

Today, she inspires the next generation of professionals to embrace what makes us unique.

Master Stylist

Watch these Alumni Stories and many more

Esthetics Team Lead

OUR MISSION AT AVEDA IS

TO CARE for the world we live in, from the products we make to the ways in which we give back to society. At aveda, we strive to set an example for environmental leadership and responsibility, not just in the world of beauty, but around the world.

GIVING BACK Community involvement is at the core of our mission. We strive to embody the values put forth by Aveda founder, Horst Rechelbacher, who pioneered building relationships with communities globally and locally to further the cause of sustainability and responsible beauty.

TIP FOR A CAUSE Each month, instead of conventional tips, guests are invited to contribute to a designated charity, allowing us to raise both funds and awareness. This initiative not only supports various causes but also educates our guests about the importance of giving back. In the last twenty years, our Institutes have raised over $1,000,000 for various charities.

EARTH MONTH During Earth Month, we intensify our efforts to live Aveda’s mission through fundraising and awareness events. For over a decade, our Institutes have raised over $500,000 for clean water initiatives.

BREAST CANCER AWARENESS Every October we dedicate the entire month to Breast Cancer Awareness, raising funds through raffles, bake sales, pink ribbon sales, and our signature Beauty for a Cure event, where discounted express beauty services are offered with 100% of proceeds donated. The campaign unites our students, staff, and guests, all wearing pink in solidarity to symbolize hope and support.

AWARD-WINNING EDUCATION 2025 NAHA Finalist Student Stylist: Imelda Mercer Photo: Nohemi Capetillo

2024 Winner Student Stylist: Kaitlyn Rockwell Photo: Nohemi Capetillo

2021 Winner Student Stylist: Alisha Kemp Photo: Keith Bryce

E

ach year, students have the opportunity to compete for a professional photo shoot and entry into the Professional Beauty Association’s North American Hairstyling Awards (NAHA) to be considered for the honor of Student Hairstylist of the Year.

Our Institutes have had 27 finalists in the fourteen years we have participated, with 7 students winning the top honor. In 2020 and 2021, our students scored back-to-back wins, with Dottie Greene and Alisha Kemp named Student Hairstylist of the Year. In 2024, three of the five finalists were our students, including winner, Kaitlyn Rockwell. In 2025 Imelda Mercer was our most recent finalist.

The Aveda Institute is committed to helping our students achieve their full potential and perform as some of the top beauty professionals. We live our mission of “Developing future leaders in the world of beauty and wellness” by offering unique and exciting opportunities like photo shoots, fashion shows, and more.

FULL POTENTIAL STUDENT COMPETITION 2024 First Place Winners Aveda Fredric’s Institute Indianapolis Colorist: Dylan Green Stylist: Nadia Hernandez Makeup: Jaqueline Rodriguez

T

his annual student award competition was created to memorialize one of the greatest motivators in the Aveda network. A role model for all - Edwin Neill II not only believed in our mission, he lived it daily. His greatest memory will be his contribution to the youth of the beauty industry. The Edwin Neill II Full Potential Student Award emphasizes Edwin’s belief in team versus individual achievement, which he brought to our network.

Our family of Aveda Institutes swept the podium with first, second and third place winners in 2024. We have had winners in 2023, 2021, 2018, 2017, 2015, 2013, 2010. In 2023 and 2025, we also won the Educator Team award, showing that our drive for excellence extends throughout the organization. We’re incredibly proud of all the hard work our students put into this competition and excited to see what our future students come up with!

School of the Year Award // 23

SUPERIOR EDUCATION BY DESIGN G

reat salon and spa design can evoke another place, era, or state of being. It sparks emotion, whether that’s the vibrant energy of a cutting floor community, the creative show-and-tell spirit of the color bar, or the calming zen of the spa zone.

Each year, Salon Today Magazine recognizes salons, spas, and beauty schools for exemplary design. In 2023, the new Aveda Institute Indianapolis was named School of the Year.

This isn’t our first honor, though! The Aveda Institute Chapel Hill took home the honor in 2016 after opening its new facility. Our facilities are a reflection of our commitment to excellence in beauty education!

AN ANNUAL CELEBRATION OF OUR STUDENTS’ PASSION

2025 Virtual Earth Jam Winner Student Stylist: Hannah Minton Photo: Trav McAvaddy

EARTH JAM

S

tarting in 2004, our Aveda Institutes held an annual fashion benefit as a vehicle for our students to show off their talents and passion in a themed event that raised money for local charities. In 2021, Earth Jam evolved into a virtual event to continue to offer a unique opportunity for our students.

Each year, a competition is held at each of our locations in which students create hair and makeup looks inspired by the year’s

selected theme. The top looks from each Institute are selected to participate in a photo shoot with a renowned celebrity photographer.

After the photo shoot, a panel of beauty professionals from around the country evaluate the images for their technical skill, interpretation of the theme, and more. The team with the highest scores from the panel is awarded a $2,000 scholarship for each member of the winning team.

2024 Virtual Earth Jam Finalist Student Stylist: Ava Lender Photo: Trav McAvaddy

Past themes have been the Ayurvedic Elements (earth, wind, fire, water, and infinity) and fashion designers, and icons of the beauty industry.

In 2025, our students celebrated the color through the theme of Full Spectrum.

Scan the QR code to the right to watch the 2025 Earth Jam and see all the amazing work our students produced!

2025 Virtual Earth Jam Finalist Student Stylist: Zoe Krasno Photo: Trav McAvaddy

WATCH EARTH JAM 2025

EXPERIENCE A FREE SERVICE We know that the best way to experience the Aveda Institute is to see it for yourself. That’s why we are inviting you in for a free service where you will have the opportunity to have a first-hand look at our facilities, chat with our students, educators and more, all while receiving your choice of free service. Experience the Aveda Difference for yourself!

CALL 844.210.1113 TO BOOK PROMO CODE: HS25 | Some restrictions may apply.

We’re excited to announce the Brilliant Future Scholarship. This is an opportunity for graduating high school seniors who start in our June, July or August classes to be awarded a scholarship toward their education!

2020 NAHA Finalist Student Stylist: Kaitlyn Rudie Photo: Keith Bryce

26 // Financial Aid Explained

FINANCIAL AID EXPLAINED Figuring out how you can afford to pursue your career in beauty can be intimidating. With all of the unfamiliar language and confusing acronyms, it’s easy to feel lost. But we’re here to help!

Here’s a quick overview of the financial aid process, as well as some common terms and acronyms explained!

FIGURE OUT YOUR OPTIONS Your eligibility for certain loans and aid types depends on several factors: your age, dependency status, financial situation, and more. Our Financial Aid team is here to help you find out what you qualify for and to guide you through the process.

PELL GRANT The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need through the FAFSA form.

FSA ID An FSA ID consists of a username and password that gives you access to the U.S. Department of Education’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature when completing electronic documents.

FAFSA Federal student aid is aid from the government in the form of grants, loans, and/or work-study to assist students with college or career school.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is the form students fill out to apply for this aid.

To fill out the FAFSA, you will need the school codes below.

• • • • • •

Indianapolis - 041559 Columbus - 041378 Cincinnati - 038373 Chapel Hill - 041407 Wilmington - 013850 Des Moines - 042033 STUDENT AID INDEX

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is an index number that colleges use to determine how much financial aid

NEXT STEPS you’re eligible to receive. Your SAI is calculated based on the information you provided in Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. REQUEST INFO 2. TOUR OUR FACILITIES 3. APPLY FOR AN FSA ID

DIRECT SUBSIDIZED LOAN A Direct Subsidized Loan is a federal student loan where a borrower isn’t responsible for paying interest while in an in-school, grace, or deferment period.

UNSUBSIDIZED LOAN An unsubsidized loan through the Direct Loan Program offers students a low, fixed interest rate. It is not based on financial need.

4. COMPLETE YOUR FAFSA 5. FINANCIAL AID APPOINTMENT 6. ENROLL AND START YOUR EDUCATION 7. BEGIN YOUR CAREER!

TAKE THE NEXT STEP

PARENT PLUS LOAN Direct PLUS Loans, otherwise known as Parent Plus Loans, are federal loans that parents of dependent undergraduate students use to help pay for education expenses.

Scan the QR Code and fill out the form to request more info!

FIND US ONLINE!

avedafi.edu

2025 Edwin Neill Awards Winner Aveda Institute Education Team Photo: Trav McAvaddy